Winter Recess Memo

While ongoing research often continues beyond normal business hours and after regularly scheduled closure times, under no circumstances should research staff and/or students work alone on experimental procedures involving hazardous chemicals, biohazardous materials, or high physical hazards. During the past years, a number of minor incidents and near-misses have been reported in USC laboratories and have highlighted the real risks associated with many laboratory activities. Therefore, it is especially critical that researchers take extra precautions during off-hours or periods of campus closure when the number of individuals present in laboratories is greatly diminished. In all cases, appropriate lab coats and other personal protective equipment (PPE) should be utilized in accordance with the USC PPE Standards.

While it is always preferable for research staff and/or students to work with a colleague, exceptions may be made for low-risk research activities if the PI or Supervisor verifies that each research staff member or student fully understands emergency and standard operating procedures, has access to and utilizes all required PPE, and has ready access to an effective communication system that consists of a two-way radio, telephone or cellular phone with adequate reception.

In addition, all required emergency equipment (e.g., first aid kit, emergency showers/eyewash, fire extinguishers, etc.) must be checked and operating properly. In all cases, staff and students should work only under conditions where the availability of emergency aid is compatible with the risk. Each PI or Supervisor should review the work assignment and define the emergency aid compatible with the work assignment or request guidance from EH&S, as necessary.

Thank you in advance for your efforts to fully prepare for the upcoming Winter Recess and to take the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of all laboratory personnel.